Hike in Tomato Prices.
Pune: Retail prices of tomatoes have crossed Rs 80/kg at many places in south India. During last fortnight, tomato prices have more than doubled across the country, while retail prices have crossed Rs 80/kg at many places in south India, with no respite in sight for next two months.
Retail tomato prices were Rs 80/kg to Rs 85/kg on Monday in Kochi. The wholesale tomato prices are in the range Rs 40/kg to Rs 80/kg in Kerala. The wholesale prices in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha are between Rs 40/kg to Rs 60/kg. Due to increasing arrival from Himachal Pradesh the tomato prices in Delhi are relatively lower, which has compensated for the declining arrivals from Haryana.
Tomato production adversely affected by high temperatures during April and May in the key growing belts of north India and Maharashtra. Growers said, the severe drought in Maharashtra has affected the overall production of vegetable crops in the region.
About two months ago, tomato growers were getting a price of Rs 4/kg to Rs 6/kg. Though the vegetable prices have firmed in North India too, tomato prices are relatively lower at about Rs 30/kg to Rs 40/kg in wholesale as compared to the southern parts.
Tomato trader from the Azadpur APMC, Delhi, Subhash Chugh said, "Cities like Hyderabad in the South, are now getting tomatoes from Delhi as supplies from Maharashtra have declined."
Increasing supplies from Himachal Pradesh and increase in area under tomatoes in newer pockets like Jammu have increased supplies to Delhi.
